Mechanical Engineer

Company Description

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

Job Description

We’re looking for an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join a multidisciplinary engineering team supporting advanced R&D and product development programmes, including aerospace platforms and next‑generation propulsion systems. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys owning mechanical design across the full lifecycle, working on complex systems, and contributing to technically challenging, high‑impact engineering programmes.

You’ll be involved from requirements capture and concept development through detailed design, integration, validation, and delivery, with a strong emphasis on engineering judgement, quality, and collaboration across disciplines.

• Location: Bedford
• On Site: Hybrid
• Clearance: Eligible for Security Clearance
• Experience Level: Mid – Senior

Key Responsibilities:

• Day‑to‑day CAD design and management of multidisciplinary design requirements
• Advanced use of SolidWorks for solid modelling, surfacing, assemblies, detailing, and BoM creation
• Perform first‑pass analysis (basic FEA and CFD) using CAD‑integrated tools
• Technical ownership of allocated project work packages (WPs), including task coordination
• Define and manage design, integration, and test activities across R&D and product programmes
• Drive product design innovation through research, prototyping, and CAD / CAE / CAM tools
• Select appropriate manufacturing methods for rapid prototyping, including wet‑layup composite parts
• Define materials and processes for metallic containers and structural components
• Produce technical documentation, including:
– User Requirements
– CONOPS
– Technical & Design Specifications
– DFMEAs and risk assessments
– Commissioning and validation plans
• Support payload and system integration, understanding performance impacts and optimisation
• Contribute to all‑electric propulsion system integration, including eVTOL and novel airframe concepts
• Act as technical point of contact for suppliers and external partners
• Support project delivery to ensure on‑time, on‑budget outcomes
• Assist Programme Management with estimation, planning, dependencies, and progress tracking
• Ensure quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction across all deliverables

Qualifications

Experience, skills and qualifications required: 

Required Skills:

• Strong experience in mechanical design and lifecycle engineering
• Advanced capability using SolidWorks (modelling, surfacing, assemblies, drawings)
• Understanding of first‑pass structural and thermal analysis
• Ability to work across requirements, design, integration, and test phases
• Strong documentation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline
• Equivalent industry or military engineering experience also considered

Desirable Skills:

• Experience within aerospace, advanced air mobility (AAM), or high‑performance electro‑mechanical systems
• Exposure to R&D, NPI, or prototype‑led programmes
• Knowledge of composite materials and manufacturing techniques
• Payload or system‑level integration experience
• Understanding of propulsion or all‑electric systems
• Familiarity with DFMEA, validation planning, and risk‑based engineering approaches
• Experience working in regulated or safety‑critical environments
• Supplier technical management experience

Additional Information

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.

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